In 2024 we trialed over 65 new (to us) dahlia varieties in an effort to find the most beautiful, long-lasting, and hardy dahlias for cut flowers. We trialed and tested to find the best-of-the-best for flower farmers, home gardeners, farmer-florists and collectors (at least, on our farm in our climate).
There were a few flops, but overall most of them did great! We culled the varieties we didn’t love, and are sharing the best of the best with you in 2025.
Since there are so many dahlia varieties to choose from, this is a quick and easy guide to help you decide which dahlia varieties are best for you. I’ve chosen our favorite varieties for each category listed below:
And luckily, all the varieties listed here are available in our 2025 online dahlia tuber sale on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025.
Best dahlia varieties for flower farmers:
For us, these varieties are consistently the most prolific, hardiest, and easiest-to-harvest for commercial production. We care about profitability, and these varieties have become the tried-and-true ones that we can count on year after year. The stems are long and straight, the tubers are relatively easy to store over winter, and they are reliable. Of course, everyone’s farm and climate is different, but for us in zone 6 in western NY state - these are our winners. (Most of these varieties are available at wholesale pricing in bulk in our tuber sale).
A unique bloom of Lindas Baby
Peaches n’ cream
Miss amara
Caitlin’s joy
Cornel bronze
Intrique
Robann royal
Diva
KAs blood orange
Lindas baby
Best dahlia varieties for backyard gardeners:
We found these varieties to be the absolute STUNNERS of the garden in terms of take-your-breath-away beauty. Some of them are simply different or unique. And some of these also bloom on slightly shorter and stockier plants, making them ideal for the garden.
Bracken Sarah
Bracken Palomino
Wyns pink pearl
Bloomquist alan
Bloomquist dave
Double jill
Bloomquist ginnie
Sandia brocade
Best dahlia varieties for fArmer-Florists:
These varieties seem to be most requested by our florist customers and wedding and event clients. These beautiful dahlias bloom in soft colors that are perfect for color-blending and for satisfying the “white and blush” trend that seems to never go away.
Kelgai Ann - a waterlily type dahlia
Kelgai ann
Lindas baby
Bloomquist alan
Beaucon
Platinum blonde
Bloomquist blush
Bloomquist compare
Sweet Nathalie
Trademarks Flower Farms Personal Favorites
These are our newer-to-us personal favorites, with # 1 being Bracken palomino - an absolute stunner that blooms in a range of peachy-orange tones and seems to “go” with every other variety on the farm.
Bracken palomino
Orange globe
Bracken Sarah
Peach bud
Salish twilight girl
Sweet Suzanne
KA’s blood orange
Other Dahlia Superlatives in 2025:
BEST DINNERPLATE DAHLIA:
Cafe Au Lait
This classic variety never gets old with its billowy, showy petals that bloom in a range of creams, light pinks, lavender, and blush.
MOST VIBRANT DAHLIA:
Intrique
The raspberry-watermelon coral color of Intrigue is UNREAL. Goes great in mixed bouquets and is one of our most popular dahlias at the farmers market!
BEST DAHLIA FOR MIXED BOUQUETS:
Caitlin’s Joy
A tried-and-true staple on the farm that never disappoints. She has extremely long, straight stems, perfect for bouquets!
BEST ACCENT DAHLIA
Sandia Brocade
This anemone-type dahlia shows off on long, straight stems and is a perfect addition to floral arrangements and designs.
MOST POPULAR DAHLIA:
Robann Regal
A bright, cheery lavender purple ball dahlia that never disappoints. Perfect for on your table or in a mixed bouquet!
MOST PROLIFIC BLOOMER:
Cornel Bronze
A tried-and-true, old-school variety that pumps out blooms all season. It’s perfect for mixed bouquet or to sell on it’s own. Also a big tuber producer!
BEST DECORATIVE DAHLIA:
Bracken Palomino
The color variations of Bracken Palomino are fascinating: from peachy-orange, to peachy-coral and more. Jenny’s personal favorite.
BEST BALL DAHLIA:
Peaches n’ Cream
A long-time favorite. Early bloomer, unreal bi-tone coloring, color blends with nearly everything. Extremely prolific!
BEST DAHLIA FOR WEDDINGS:
Sweet Nathalie
A classic blush with an amazing shape and tons of petals. Very sturdy stems, making it great for floral design.
BEST OVERALL DAHLIA VARIETY:
Orange Globe
Another favorite of Jenny’s. Huge, long-lasting flowers bloom in colors ranging from dusty-rose to bronze.
You can grab all of these amazing dahlia varieties in our annual online dahlia tuber sale!
The online-only dahlia tuber sale is happening on Sunday, March 22nd, 2025 at 9am EST